Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade announces additions to executive team

180x150-OmniSA
The Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, an award-winning four diamond hotel, is pleased to announce the following additions to its executive team:

Omar CrespoOmar Crespo
Director of Human Resources
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade Executive team, Crespo was Director of of Human Resources for We Manage, Inc., overseeing 300 employees from three hotels, three golf clubs and the corporate administrative offices.

Jeremy Lander
Jeremy S. Lander, CHSE
Director, Sales & Marketing
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade, Lander was Director of Group Sales at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin.

_CynthiaRivera
Cynthia Rivera
Director of Finance
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade executive team, Rivera was Assistant Director of Finance at the Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio.

Delfin Ortiz
Also of note: General Manager Delfin Ortiz recently received the Omni Hotels’ 2013 General Manager of the Year Award for Customer Service

Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Lewis, CPS Energy – Social U Chair

Lewis_Lisa-vLisa Lewis
CPS Energy

About the Company: Lisa Lewis is Vice President of Corporate Communications & Media Relations for CPS Energy, the nation’s largest municipally owned energy utility providing both natural gas and electric service in and around the seventh-largest city in the nation. Lewis joined CPS Energy’s Marketing team in 2001, and manages internal and external communications, corporate responsibility, branding and social media. Before joining CPS Energy, Lisa worked in the advertising industry with service-industry clients from healthcare to transit.

About the Program: The Social Media Committee works to deliver quality instruction in social and digital media marketing for non-profit and corporate marketing/PR tacticians, and small- to mid-sized business owners, executives and managers who utilize social media or are interested in trends and tactics and how they affect profitability. Social U is a social media university for savvy marketers and features instruction, discussion and networking among local thought, strategy and implementation leaders in social and digital media as well as an interactive social media experience on event day.

Personally Speaking: Lisa, who sits on the North SA Chamber board of directors, says, “Social U has created great interaction among communications professionals across our city.” Lisa says she enjoys the discussion at events and committee meetings, “I have the pleasure of working with great communicators: lifelong pros, bright young hotshots, brand experts – among the volunteers and the Chamber staff.” Lisa explains that most marketers are still learning when it comes to digital and social media, and she says, “Social U is a great forum for this type of professional education.”

Generations FCU to host ‘Mastering the Sale’ webinar

180x150-generationsGenerations Federal Credit Union will continue its Small Business Workshop series with a free webinar on Mastering the Sale which will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 on Thursday, August 28.  The webinar will cover such topics as strategic techniques on building a rapport with customers, honing your sales pitch and the art of closing the deal and will be hosted by Robert Upton of Red Door Solutions. Participants are asked to pre-register by visiting https://www.mygenfcu.org/event/mastering-sale/.

Upton brings more than 20 years of experience in various entrepreneurial endeavors ranging from marketing and human resources to real estate development, and is passionate about making a difference in clients with creative, simple solutions.

The Generations Small Business Workshop series presents topics that are relevant to today’s small business owners and reinforce the skills they need to be successful. Upcoming classes in the series include Get Noticed, Mastering the Sale and Becoming Loan Ready. The series includes in-person classes as well as webinars.

Volunteer Spotlight – eTech Newsletter Chair: Meg Grant, Digital Defense

Grant_megMeg Grant
Digital Defense

About the Company: Founded in 1999, Digital Defense, Inc. (DDI) is a San Antonio-based firm and leading provider in managed, cloud-based security assessment solutions. DDI helps organizations establish a culture of security through regular security assessments, education and Decisive Security Intelligence. DDI delivers best-in-class managed service with a team of industry experts. As Vice President of Marketing, Meg oversees the company’s marketing initiatives including market analysis, analyst relations, brand development, public relations and e-marketing.

About the Program: The e-Tech Newsletter is a valuable member service that provides thought leadership on timely technology issues, products and services. The newsletter has articles that are relevant to not only the IT Professional, but also to employees across different functional departments. We hope the content assists you and your organization with insightful ways to incorporate best practices surrounding technology.

Personally Speaking: Meg has been involved with the North Chamber for several years, joining the Technology committee in 2011. She says, “The breadth of programs and services the North SA Chamber provides is extremely beneficial to the business community through networking, education and increased awareness of organizations that contribute to the diverse and dynamic community in San Antonio.”

Dahill’s Digital Showcase June 3rd

180x150-DahillRock out with Dahill at their Digital Showcase on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Attendance will include exclusive access to their full production printing fleet, their entire suite of production solutions, seminars by industry professionals, a sneak peek at the new Xerox Versant 2100 Press and much more.

Dahill Digital ShowcaseThe Playlist for the day includes:

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Registration & Welcome

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Seminar #1: XMPIE
Merging Marketing & Print Operations

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Seminar #2: EFI
Doing More with Less: Profitability of Automation & Efficiency

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
V.I.P. Reception

The event will take place at 8200 IH-10 West, Suite 400 San Antonio, TX 78230. Register today at www.dahillevents.com.

SWBC takes bronze in District Advertising Award Competition

180x150-SWBCSWBC is proud to announce that its marketing department took home a Bronze American Advertising Award (formerly known as an Addy®) in the District 10 competition. Its “Operation: Shaken, Not Stirred” invitation advanced after taking Silver in the ‘Special Event Material’ category during the local contest.

“It’s such awesome accomplishment for SWBC to be recognized along with other large, well-known agencies and in-house departments,” said Kristy Moore, Vice President of SWBC Marketing. “Winning a district Bronze is very special to us because we’re going up against entries from agencies and corporate teams from all over Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.”

The American Advertising Awards represent the largest creative competition in the world with more than 40,000 entries from top agencies and in-house departments from 200 markets coast-to-coast.

About SWBC
Headquartered in San Antonio, SWBC is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of insurance, mortgage, and investment services to financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. With offices across the country, SWBC is committed to providing quality products, outstanding service, and customized solutions in all 50 states. For more information, visit SWBC’s web site at www.swbc.com.

March Word from the Chairman

Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRAs we welcome spring and this time of renewal in our surroundings, it is also a time of change and regeneration here at the North San Antonio Chamber. Over the last several weeks, the North Chamber has realigned personnel and duties as we have said farewell to longtime staff and welcomed new team members.

After 13 years of service to our business community as Vice President of Leadership Programs and Lead SA, Yolanda Crittenden has retired. For all of you who have worked with Yolanda over the years through our government affairs programs, Lead SA, the Small Business Leaders Awards, the Enterprising Women’s Conference and other programs – I know you will join me in thanking and congratulating her and wishing Yolanda all the best in her future endeavors.

Additionally, with Yolanda’s retirement, some staff duties have been realigned. Wendy Thomas is now Program Manager and will be your point of contact for programs including Lead SA Employment Law Update, Lead SA Sustainability, CFO Forum events and the On the Horizon luncheon.

Moreover, our director of marketing and membership, Renée Crittenden-Garcia, is now Vice President of Marketing, Public Affairs & Lead SA, and she will assume the executive director role for the North Chamber’s 501c3 organization, Lead SA, and its Salute to Excellence, as well as take a more active role in supporting our government affairs programs including State of the County and Mayor’s Vision. Renée will provide increased support to our President/CEO for various special and collaborative programs as they relate to our advocacy efforts, while still overseeing membership and chamber marketing programs.

Last but not least, we are pleased to welcome Susan Deitiker, Manager of Special Events, and Whitney Lewis, Manager of Marketing & Special Events. Susan is already working with our Ambassadors and leading program management for events including Networking Breakfast, the new Power Lunch, Golf Tournament, How 2 Series, Small Business Leaders Awards and the Enterprising Women’s Conference.

Whitney is our new website and e-newsletter editor and will share member news across our social and digital platforms, while also providing special event marketing communications, committee and registration support for a number of programs.

Membership, Recognition, Veterans
Over the last several months, our membership staff and committee have been studying our dues structure and identifying ways to increase value to our membership. After a recent task force meeting led by our Membership Council Chair, Aaron Seaman of SWBC, the North SA Chamber is proud to announce that we will extend a 15% discount to Veteran-owned businesses as a way to assist veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce. The discount is effective immediately for veteran-owned businesses who are new members joining the chamber.

Additionally, we are actively seeking nominations for the Small Business Leaders Awards (SBLA) program, and the deadline to submit completed applications is Friday, April 11, by 5 p.m. Awards will be presented in categories including: Small Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Career Achievement, Community Service, Business Achievement, Business Innovation, Employee Relations, New Business and new this year – Nonprofit and Veteran-Owned. Please consider nominating a deserving employer, customer or colleague; and encourage him or her to complete the nomination application and submit by deadline.

While we’re proud to support and recognize our veterans in every way, we’re equally pleased that we have worked to bolster our small business members by maintaining dues rates for more than 15 years. As a small organization operating on the sole support of our dues-paying members, we strive to be fiscally conservative in our stewardship of the investment members make in the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. As the cost of doing business increases, we sent a call to action to members to participate in a voluntary dues increase. To date, 67% of members who renewed their membership with us elected to provide added financial support. On behalf of the board and staff, thank you for your incredible support of the North Chamber.

Leadership, Networking
We’re also busy building business and leaders across San Antonio. Recently, the participants of the 2014 Leadership Lab Class completed a week-end long retreat in which students learned about their individual personality styles and how those traits can be strengths and challenges in their personal and professional relationships.

It was my pleasure to join the class during their retreat and encourage them on their leadership journey. The diversity of companies represented in the class is remarkable, and I’m excited to see how this year’s class will engage and apply their Lab experiences to their workplaces.

Finally, no matter what time of day is best for you, the North SA Chamber now has a venue for you to connect with others while gaining insight on various timely professional topics. The Networking Breakfast is held the second Tuesday of every month at the Petroleum Club at 7:15 a.m., and the new Power Lunch will be held the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at rotating locations. Please check the calendar of events regularly and register online.

I appreciate your membership, participation and volunteerism with the North San Antonio Chamber and invite you to join a committee, attend an event or just follow us in our social media communities. We’re a vibrant business network thanks to you, your membership and all that you do keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong.

Small Business Development Center offers training for employers and small business owners

UTSA_EconomicDevelopmentThe UTSA Small Business Development Center offers integrated, low-cost training and free counseling services to meet the needs of small business owners in San Antonio and surrounding counties. All classes can be found on our website at www.sasbdc.org. The following training opportunities are being offered January through March:

January: 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – YouTube 101: How to Leverage YouTube Marketing

Did you know YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google? It’s a great social media platform that can help you build your business brand, generate targeted leads and grow your business. Come join Digital Marketing Consultant Yusuf Chowdhury and learn YouTube strategies, what equipment to use, where to start and much more at this workshop. You don’t want to miss this! More information to come soon!

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21384

 

Thursday, January 23, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21375

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 – What You Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise

Franchise ownership is one of the fastest growing segments of business ownership, and with good reason. It is affordable, offers a proven method of success, allows for easy entry and provides options for a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. But before you take the plunge attend this interactive session with Stephen Maeker, Senior Franchise Consultant, and walk away with a better understanding of how franchising works and if it’s the right option for you. An important feature of this workshop includes a hands-on look at an actual franchise disclosure document. The document discloses extensive information about the franchisor and is intended to give you enough information to make an educated decision regarding your investment. Key areas include initial franchise fees and expenses, obligations of the franchisor and franchisee, territory restrictions, renewal and termination, franchisor financial statements, plus much more.

Time: 9:00 am – 11:30 am

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $25.00

Door Fee:  $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21377

 

Thursday, January 30, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21378


February

Tuesdays, February 4-18, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro Series

Pay for all three QuickBooks Pro workshops as a series and save money!

-QuickBooks Pro I (Set-Up): Topics discussed in this workshop include: setting up QuickBooks, working with lists and working with bank accounts.

-QuickBooks Pro II (Intermediate): Topics discussed in this workshop include: using other accounts in QuickBooks (credit card, asset, liability & equity), entering sales and invoices, receiving payments and making deposits, entering and paying bills, setting up inventory and tracking and paying sales tax.

-QuickBooks Pro III (Advanced): Topics include: analyzing financial data, doing payroll with QuickBooks, estimating and progress invoicing

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $250 for the 3-part series (QuickBooks Pro I, II & III)

Registration link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21379

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 – How to Decide What Technology I REALLY Need

Are you just starting out and trying to figure out how to set your company up with technology? Or have you been in business and just not sure if you have all the technology you need? Come join Michael Espinoza owner of Technology Coaching as he walks you through your decision making process. Use his plan to develop your ideal technology platform and setup. Walk away with a good understanding regarding what technology will be most effective for your business. He will cover:

• Questions to ask before you consider any technology

• Options that are available to you and whether you REALLY need them

• Picking the options that are best for you based on your needs

• General questions about technology that you are currently considering

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21391

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro I (Set-Up)

Are you in the beginning stages of using QuickBooks and want to expand your knowledge? Come to this workshop to learn the basic features of QuickBooks and have the opportunity for hands-on practice. We will discuss the information you should be tracking and how to enter it in QuickBooks. You will walk away from this workshop with familiarity with the most common tasks and where to find information about more advanced features of QuickBooks. Topics discussed in this workshop include: setting up QuickBooks, working with lists and working with bank accounts.

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $100.00

Door Fee: $120.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21511

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 – Lunch n’ Learn: How to Get Started with Text Message Marketing

Text Message Marketing is a low-cost and highly-effective tool to communicate to your customers…in REAL TIME. 97% of Text Messages are read and most of them are read just a few minutes after it’s sent. Wouldn’t it be great to alert your customers about today’s specials and know they see it today…or to invite them to come back to your business EXACTLY at the time you want them to come back? Duffy Hobbs is a Text Message Marketing Professional who will guide you step-by-step to help you put your message into the hands of your customers.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: 800 W. San Antonio, Suite A., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21381

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014 – How to Outsource Effectively for Your Business

Come learn how to effectively outsource some of your tasks to sustain and grow your business. Outsourcing can sometimes be challenging and frustrating if you do not know how to hire the right team. Digital Marketing Consultant Yusuf Chowdhury will talk about some of the successful strategies to find the right people to take your business to the next level.

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21382

 

Thursday, February 6, 2014 – Affordable Care Act Update

Are you a small business owner that is going to be affected by the Affordable Care Act? If you are, compliance with the law goes into effect on October 1st. Are you ready? This workshop is an analysis of the healthcare reform laws and other regulatory activities with a focus on the importance of recordkeeping. Come listen to Alicia Haff, attorney and owner of Haff Consulting Services, LLC as she presents the latest information.

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee: Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21385

 

Friday, February 7, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21386

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro II (Intermediate)

Would you like to expand your knowledge of QuickBooks? This workshop completes the introduction to the basic features of QuickBooks and provides further hands-on practice. Topics discussed in this workshop include: using other accounts in QuickBooks (credit card, asset, liability & equity), entering sales and invoices, receiving payments and making deposits, entering and paying bills, setting up inventory and tracking and paying sales tax.

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $100.00

Door Fee: $120.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21387

 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21388

 

Thursday, February 13, 2014 – Getting Started with Constant Contact Email Marketing

New to constant contact email marketing? In this time-efficient, highly practical workshop, Debi Pfitzenmaier, Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact will give you an instructive overview of Constant Contact’s tools and features and how to put them to work for you! You’ll learn the basics so you can create successful email marketing campaigns. Topics discussed in this workshop include: setting up your constant contact account, getting new subscribers, creating an email campaign, editing newsletter templates, branding your emails, creating desirable content, importing your email list into your database, tracking and interpreting your results and much more.

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee: $25.00

Door Fee: $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21389

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 – How to Tackle Password Management

The number of passwords we must remember isn’t getting any smaller. From online banking to social media, we must have passwords for everything we do. Are you guilty of keeping your passwords on sticky notes or always forgetting them? Join Michael Espinoza, owner of Technology Coaching us for a session on password management to learn:

• How to manage and organize your passwords

• Share your passwords on other devices (phone, tablet, etc.)

• Create stronger, more reliable passwords • different tools that can make your daily computing a breeze Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21390

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014 – QuickBooks Pro III (Advanced)

This unique workshop provides advanced concepts and offers an introduction to customizing QuickBooks. Receive instruction from Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisors and one-on-one assistance from UTSA Senior Level Accounting Students to customize QuickBooks and meet your business needs. Topics discussed in this workshop include: analyzing financial data, doing payroll with QuickBooks, estimating and progress invoicing, tracking time, customizing form and writing letters.

Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $100.00

Door Fee: $120.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21392

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21393

 

Wednesday, February 19, 2013 – Lunch n’ Learn: Designing Your Marketing Strategy

Strong and successful branding and marketing strategy extend far beyond a logo and a business card. Proper, purposeful marketing is an integral part of a business’s success. It is also one of the most volatile, subjective and misunderstood areas of business operations. Although largely considered the fun part of business- with logos, tag lines, advertising, promotional items, letterhead and so on- marketing done well is much more than meets the eye. Join Beverly Ingle, owner of Resilient by Design and author of Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses, and walk away with the seven parts of a brand’s identity as well as how to develop a marketing strategy that not only supports the brand, but also resonates with their customers. Key take-away points include: the seven aspects of a brand, how to define a brand’s DNA, purposeful marketing is powerful marketing, and best practices for using design thinking to improve marketing strategy

Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee: Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21394

 

Thursday, February 20, 2014 – Are You Ready for Commercial Space?

Looking to purchase, rent or lease commercial property? Visit us before you do. This new and exciting workshop is tailored specifically for small business owners looking for the right commercial property to complete their business dream. Discuss basic considerations in commercial real estate such as factors in negotiating a lease or sales price, and how to assess property lease vs. purchase decision. At the end of this workshop you will understand the lease or buying process from beginning to end and know how to develop a letter of intent (LOI).

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $25.00

Door Fee: $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21395

 

Thursday, February 27, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21396

 

Friday, February 28, 2014 – Social Media Roundtable

Is your business social? From blogging to Facebook, LinkedIn to Twitter, and Yelp to YouTube, learn what social media can and cannot do for your business. At this roundtable, we will discuss which social media channels work for your particular business and what to consider in developing a social media strategy. Topics discussed in this roundtable include: how to increase traffic to your website, how to market your business, how to measure the effectiveness of your social media strategy and monitor your online presence. *This roundtable is highly interactive; participants should come prepared to share their ideas and learn from others’ strategies.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Fee: Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21397

March

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 – How to Put the Right Technology Backup Plan Into Place

If you don’t have a good plan to backup your data and devices, you’re planning to fail. It’s not a matter of IF your devices will fail, it’s WHEN. Every small business needs a backup plan. Join Michael Espinoza of Technology Coaching where he will cover:

• Why you need a Backup plan

• How to set up a Backup plan

• The Equipment and services for a good backup plan

• Why imaging is important to your backup plan.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21398

 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 – Social Media Marketing Made Simple

How social is your business? In this information-packed seminar you will learn the essential strategies and best practices a business or organization should understand in order to successfully get started with social media marketing. You’ll learn everything you need to know to create your own social media marketing strategy and why it’s so important. Join Debi Pfitzenmaier, Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact as she shares the latest best practices and proven strategies on: social media basics, building a quality community, creating valuable content, implementing time savers and learning through monitoring. You will leave with a greater understanding of social media, how it fits into your marketing plan, and how to easily implement different tools to engage your audience and grow your business. Social media for business is here to stay, so come learn how to best utilize it to help your business grow!

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $25.00

Door Fee:  $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21399

 

Friday, March 7, 2013 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21400

 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 – Business Essentials for the Artist

Are you an artist who needs to operate more efficiently and increase your profits? Need advice on marketing your artwork? Attend this new workshop that is designed specifically for artists, photographers and others in creative endeavors who want to learn how to operate their businesses more profitably. Topics discussed in this workshop include: promoting your business with social media, determining your prices, writing a business plan to increase your profits, how and where to sell your work, local and federal tax and legal requirements and much more.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee: $30.00

Door Fee: $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21401

 

Thursday, March 13, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21405

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 – Business Start-Up Essentials

Are you ready to turn your business idea into reality? Come to this workshop and have all your questions answered! The SBDC business advisors will present the basics of starting a new business and help answer your start-up questions. If you are considering opening a small business, this class is your starting point. You will receive a Small Business Resource Guide and many other resources to help you start your business. Topics discussed in this workshop include: evaluating your business idea, business legal structure and name, local, state and federal resources & requirements and business start-up costs.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $30.00

Door Fee:  $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21407

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 – Technology Purchasing Made Simple

You know the technology you want but where is the best place to buy it? We’re constantly buying technology for our business. Are we buying at the right place, at the right time? Join Michael Espinoza, the Technology Coach at this session to get these questions answered.

• Learn were the best place to buy technology, local, online…

• Learn the questions to ask before you buy

• Learn about the warranties that you get or can buy.

• Learn about your option New, Used, and Refurbished, remanufactured. Please note that Michael Espinoza is not affiliated with any organization other than his own and does not resell any of the products or services he speaks about in any of his classes. His intent is to educate small business owners regarding technology.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21406

 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 – Blogging to Build Business

Join Digital Marketing Consultant Yusuf Chowdhury as he talks about why blogging is a must for businesses. Topics include: starting your business blog, content ideas, search engine optimized content, promoting your blog, engaging your readers and turning them into loyal customers.

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21408

 

Thursday, March 20, 2014 – Grow Your Business with Email and Social Media

Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies, tools and tactics to make their marketing efforts as effective as possible. But between Facebook and Twitter, email and mobile, deals, and whatever new social network is rolling out that month — there’s a lot to keep up with. And there are only so many hours in each day. The number of possibilities can feel overwhelming. Debi Pfitzenmaier, Authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact, will help make sense of the noise and show you how to make the most of the combination of email and social media for your business. You’ll have a greater understanding of marketing basics like goals and objectives. You’ll learn what a “campaign” is and what to write about and offer in that campaign. You’ll be given some simple but powerful tips for how to get your messages opened and read, shared and socially visible. And you’ll see that there are some great tools you can use to help engage with your existing customers as well as expand your reach to new prospects.

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  $25.00

Door Fee:  $45.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21409

 

Friday, March 21, 2014 – Lunch n’ Learn: How to Get Started with Text Message Marketing

Text Message Marketing is a low-cost and highly-effective tool to communicate to your customers…in REAL TIME. 97% of Text Messages are read and most of them are read just a few minutes after it’s sent. Wouldn’t it be great to alert your customers about today’s specials and know they see it today…or to invite them to come back to your business EXACTLY at the time you want them to come back? Duffy Hobbs is a Text Message Marketing Professional who will guide you step-by-step to help you put your message into the hands of your customers.

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 2.316

Online Fee:  Free

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21410

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014 – Starting and Planning Your Business

This session is a combination of Business Start-up Essentials and The Business Plan. Topics include: Starting Your Small Business, Business Legal Structure and Name, Tax Responsibilities, Federal, City, and County Resources & Requirements, Business Plan Basics, Feasibility Process, Business Plan Structure, and Financial Analysis. Take this course and save some hours and money!

Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $50.00

Door Fee: $70.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21411

 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 – The Business Plan

Whether you need a business plan to map out your plan for your business or are writing a plan because you want to expand, this is the class for you. At this workshop, our experienced instructors will teach you the components of a business plan using an interactive format in a computer lab setting. Walk away from this workshop with the start of a business plan written specifically for your business, an electronic template and resources to guide you through the process! Topics discussed in this workshop include: business plan basics, feasibility process, business plan structure, and financial analysis.

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $40.00

Door Fee: $60.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21412

 

Thursday, March 27, 2014 – Leverage an Effective Online Sales Force: Automated, Affordable and for Everyone

Are your offline marketing and sales tactics not getting you the results you need? Do you want an automated online system that markets and closes sales for you? Come join Tim Springer, owner of Spartan Basketball for a hands-on, interactive class on how to create an automated, online sales force without hiring any extra staff! Using the same (system) that Tim has used for his own company you will:

• Develop a platform to serve and expand your businesses’ community in less than an hour a day

• Integrate your platform into social media easily to generate daily leads and sales

• Walk away with the structure of the system already implemented in your business and the potential of generating sales quickly!

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: UTSA Downtown 501 W. César E. Chávez, Durango Bldg., Rm. 1.402

Online Fee: $30.00

Door Fee: $50.00

Registration Link: http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=21413

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  If you are interested in registering for any of the courses listed above, please contact Yanet Gómez Byrom or Rebecca Montalvo by phone (210) 458-2460 or via email sbdcworkshop@utsa.edu

Security Service launches new ad campaigns

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union today announced the launch of a new advertising campaign targeting bilingual, bicultural members and a second campaign focused on what great customer service feels like. The campaigns are comprised of several television and radio spots and billboards, showcasing both the expected and unexpected humor in life. Both campaigns were created by Austin-based Greatest Common Factory (GCF).

In the first campaign, a father of the bride laments in Spanish the cake his daughter wants “is bigger than my first house, the guest list is the phone book, and people are allergic to food – so we’re serving every food.” A Security Service teller reassures him in English, “you’ve planned and saved smart for this wedding; everything’s going to be fine.” She then expresses her condolences that she won’t be able to attend, prompting the gentleman to grasp her hands and say in English, “bless you.”  Watch the video at http://bit.ly/SSFCUwedding.

While the ad has also been produced in all-Spanish and all-English versions, “we recognize that many of our members are fluent in both English and Spanish and move fluidly between the two in everyday conversations,” said Greg Stroud, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Security Service.

“We actually wrote the script as two separate versions,” said John Trahar, GCF Co-founder and Creative Managing Partner. “As we went into pre-production, we decided to cut a version where the lines overlapped seamlessly. It really captured the reality of the relationship Security Service has with its members, the credit union’s understanding of what members need to succeed in life, and how its products and services can help.”

In a second ad, a harried mom sitting in her minivan at the Security Service drive thru reflects on a recent date night with her husband, complete with flowers, Champagne and “not a single chicken finger.” A Security Service teller tells her she “can make it” until the next weekend’s date, sending her some wet wipes through the pneumatic tube to mop up a drink hurled at her from the back seat. To view the ad, visit http://bit.ly/SSFCUdatenight.

The second series focuses on conveying the unexpected joy of being on the receiving end of really great customer service.

Each ad begins with a friendly Security Service spokesman saying he could try to describe a service product such as shared branching or mobile banking, but his use of air quotes suggests that bland, overused words won’t convey the emotional effect of his credit union’s offerings. “Service isn’t something you hear,” he intones, “it’s something you feel.”

One spot in the campaign then cuts to a child’s birthday party. The birthday boy swings at a large piñata hanging from a tree in the backyard. But instead of candy falling out, a shiny, new pickup truck drops to the ground. To view this ad, visit http://bit.ly/SSFCUpinata.

Another ad cuts to a scene of average-guy Gary approaching a romantic restaurant to meet Veronica, an out-of-his-league, website-made match. A slow jam plays as Gary meets the tall, friendly beauty. She smiles and utters a line that no online dater who has had a brush with reality has ever heard: “Your profile picture doesn’t do you justice, handsome.” See it at http://bit.ly/SSFCUonlinedate.

“Yep, feels like that,” each commercial concludes, cutting quickly back to the Security Service spokesman. The spot ends with the tagline: “Feel how banking’s supposed to feel. Feel it for yourself, at Security Service Federal Credit Union.”

“GCF really did an outstanding job helping us capture the feeling you get when your expectation for service is not only met, but exceeded,” said Stroud. “That’s something we strive for daily at Security Service.”

The ads are scheduled to air in three states: Texas, Colorado, and Utah. “With ads that run the gamut from puppies to piñatas, there’s something everyone can relate to as we share what service means to us,” he added.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with more than $7 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado, and Utah. Headquartered in San Antonio, the credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation and is the largest in San Antonio. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-888-415-7878.

About Greatest Common Factory
GCF operates as an agency and a production company because lowering the barriers to production (communication, cost, time, red tape) lets us spend more time creating and improving content and less time meeting with outside teams about what might be possible. As a full-service agency, we can maintain a clear, consistent brand voice through each stage of a campaign, from ideation to execution. Simply put, we like to do more with less. We like to make things. Better. To learn more, visit http://gcfactory.com.

RABA KISTNER, INC. promotes D’Anna Woodmansee to Marketing Coordinator

raba kistner logoD’Anna Woodmansee has been promoted to Marketing Coordinator for RABA KISTNER, Inc. D’Anna joined the firm in the May of 2011 and previously held the position of Proposal Coordinator.

PortraitsThis promotion recognizes her movement to take on more responsibility for the firm and its subsidiaries, including marketing materials and ad design, vendor coordination, HTML and social media production and coordination. She has played a role in business development and maintains good communication with teaming partnerships of the firm.

“D’Anna has created great relationships in our company, both within the marketing department, with company officers within the firm, with vendors, and with the marketing staffs of architecture firms and other engineering firms,” said Nancy Parker, Director of Marketing for the firm. “It has been exciting to see her talents extend to other areas of client and vendor responsibility. Her relatives – who all live in George West , by the way– can rest assured that she is capitalizing on her business degree in many ways!”

D’Anna graduated from Texas A&M in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of BA in marketing, and from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2009 with a Master’s  in Business Administration.